Arrenoblastoma (Ovarian Tumor)- Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

(androblastoma, ovarian tumor of Sertoli-Leydig cells)

What is Arrenoblastoma

An arrenoblastoma, Ovarian Tumor,  is a rare type of ovarian tumor. It mainly secretes the male sex hormone, testosterone, and rarely the female sex hormone, estrogen.

In general, arrenoblastomas are benign, which means that they do not usually spread beyond the ovary.

Arrenoblastoma Causes

The cause of the arrenoblastomas is unknown.

Arrenoblastoma Risk factors

Arrenoblastomas are more frequent in young women between 20 and 30 years old. However, they can appear at any age, even in the first years of life, in childhood and in postmenopause.

Arrenoblastomas can also be a rare complication of pregnancy.

Arrenoblastoma, Ovarian Cancer Stage 3 Symptoms

In many cases, infrequent menstrual periods or the absence of these is the only symptom.

In one in three patients, the arrenoblastoma is accompanied by masculinization, which includes any of the following characteristics:

  • Acne
  • Make the voice more serious
  • Hirsutism (increased facial hair)
  • Enlarged clitoris

Arrenoblastoma Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. You will have a physical exam.

It is also possible that body fluids are analyzed. This can be done with blood tests to see hormone levels.

They can take pictures of anatomical structures. This can be done with an ultrasound.

Arrenoblastoma Treatment

The treatment involves surgery to remove one or both ovaries. In general, this procedure is successful in returning normal menstruation (in premenopausal women) and ceasing masculinization. If the tumor is in a late stage and is particularly aggressive (which is not very frequent) it may be necessary to perform radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both, in addition to surgery.

How to Prevent Arrenoblastoma

There are no known ways to prevent any type of ovarian cancer, since the cause is unknown.

Leave a Comment